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Gigs

Friday, May 18th, 2012:: Our newest concert for St. James the Less Church, Hadleigh Essex. This time we ‘Swing into Spring’ with the marvellous Tony Compton and an extra-special guest: our favourite Swing singer (and local heroine!) HEATHER SIMMONS. No advance bookings; just ‘pay on the door’. For more details please contact Val Randolph Productions:07810 445540

Monday, May 21st, 2012:: Presenting our show ‘ROCKING IN RHYTHM’ starring the great PAUL JONES and our pollwinning HALF DOZEN in concert at BUXTON OPERA HOUSE, Water Street, Buxton, Derbyshire SK17 6XN. For tickets/information please call the Opera House on 0845 127 2190. The show starts at 7.30pm and tickets range from £16-£18 with concessions. We look forward to seeing you!

Thursday, May 24th, 2012:: With a truly All-Star band, led by my dear friend Dave Shepherd - Britain’s Benny Goodman! – raising money for MacMillan Cancer Support – at Holbourne Bashley Country Club, Sway Road, New Milton, BH25 5QR Hampshire. Do book early as this concert – for the best of all causes – is always sold out quickly. For tickets and information contact Ros Glickman on 01425 628032

Friday, May 25th, 2012:: A marvellous return visit to Ludlow for our great friend Tim Lord to play a duo set with the fantastic pianist PAUL SAWTELL for Ego’s Wine Bar, Quality Square, Ludlow SY8 1AR. For more details please call Ego’s on:01584 878000 – and do get there early as it gets crowded!

Saturday, May 26th, 2012:: Staying over after Ludlow to play with PAUL SAWTELL again – this time at GABRIELLE’S WINE BAR, Bridge Street, Low Town, Bridgnorth WV16 4BE. This is a LUNCHTIME session; the music starts at around 12.30 and lasts – well, until the beautiful Gabrielle throws us out really! For more information (and maybe get a seat close to the band!) call Gabrielle on 07735 035374. We hope to see you again!

Sunday, May 27th, 2012:: TONY COMPTON and I will be playing for our good friend Rosemary Pennington at Southend Bandstage, Priory Park, Prittlewell, Southend on Sea (right next door to the soon-to-be-open refurbished Musem!). The music starts at 3pm but do check the weather forecast and bring a brolly to be sure!!

Tuesday, May 29th, 2012:: Playing for my old friend HUGH RAINEY (who’s taking a short holiday) with his fine band at THE LODGE, Burnham Road, Battlesbridge, SS11 7QT.The music starts at 8.30 and the place gets crowded so do try to come early. There’s plenty of parking, fine food and drink and the music is FREE! Just fine Rettendon Chase (on the Burnham Road) and you’re there!

Wednesday, May 30th, 2012:: A very welcome (and long-awaited) reunion with my old friend – and legendary cornettist – GERRY SALISBURY, at DEREHAM JAZZ SOCIETY. The gig takes place at the Lakeside Country Club, Ling, Norfolk NR9 5RS and we have the marvellous guitarist PHIL BROOKE and his Trio along for the ride. If you haven’t heard Gerry by now – do catch up!. He’s Kenny Ball’s favourite musician and has had a fantastic career since the 1950s playing with everyone from Mick Mulligan and George Melly up to the Beatles! Don’t miss this one! The music plays from 8-9.30 and again from 10-11pm!

Friday, June 1st, 2012:: It’s Diamond Jubilee time and today I’ll be playing a big street party at Christ Church, Victoria Road , Kensington LONDON W8 5RQ from 5-8pm for our good friend Richard Henchley. Joining me will be new-star singer WENDY NIEPER (formerly of the Swingle Singers and now building a premier solo career), DOMINIC ASHWORTH ((from my Half -Dozen) and old friend MARK WALLIS (piano). ‘A splendid time is guaranteed for all’ (J.Lennon!) We do hope to see you but PLEASE NOTE:attendance has to be limited to members of the Residents’ Association and their guests!!

Sunday, June 3rd, 2012:: More celebrations for the Diamond Jubilee, this time for my good friend (and fine clarinettist) DICK LAURIE and his ELASTIC BAND on Dick’s home ground in Putney. For more details please call Dick on:020 8780 1939

Tuesday, June 5th, 2012:: More Jubilee celebrations with DICK LAURIE’S ELASTIC BAND again – and in Putney again, just a few blocks from the Elastic Band’s spiritual home, the Half Moon. For full details please call Dick:020 8780 1939

Sunday, June 10th, 2012:: A charity concert on behalf of Loughton Synagogue and in aid of Loughton Hospice. I’ll be playing with the legendary ‘Woodford Wheezers’! (not as old as they sound!). For full details of bookings and tickets for this charity dinner with music please e-mail:lesley@diamond personnel.co.uk

Monday, June 11th, 2012:: I can’t wait to get back to the Kings Head Bexley to play with legendary bassist JOE MUDELE for his weekly jazz club. On this occasion my frontline partner will be the fabulous MICK FOSTER (saxophones) who has worked with everyone from the late Michael Garrick to ‘Back to Basie’ – oh, and the LSO too! Bexley Jazz Club runs every Monday at 65 Bexley High Street, Bexley Village, Kent DA5 1AA. For details please call:01322 553157 – and do get there early as the place is always packed!

Saturday, June 16th, 2012:: And the brand-new Craft Centre at Southend Museum, Priory Park, Prittlewell opens!! TONY COMPTON and I will be playing again – to welcome you all. A great day in Southend’s history. Times tba but you can call our friend Rosemary Pennington on (01702) 215624 (10-5pm)!

Monday, June 18th, 2012:: Man, I’ve got the blues! Not really – as I’ve been kindly invited by Martin McNeill (Editor of the ‘Evening Echo’ and a great friend to jazz) to join his Blues night at Prittlewell Jazz Club. This should be really something as Martin, away from his editor’s desk, is a great guitarist and singer and his band really rocks! For details of venue/times please call organizer (and eminent jazz poet) ADRIAN GREEN:(01702 ) 435263

Thursday, June 21st, 2012:: Marching around Covent Market (with a jam session to finish) for our yearly date with trombonist TIM WACHER’S MARCHING BAND to celebrate an ancient London ceremony – dating back (at least) to the 1980s! Come and join us for one of London’s most enjoyable musical happenings in the company of one of Britain’s great gentlemen of jazz. The march starts at 4pm and ends up around 6.30!

Friday, June 22nd, 2012:: The great RON RUSSELL JAZZ BAND returns to London’s premier Traditional jazz centre, the ‘Spice of Life’, Cambridge Circus, LONDON W1.The music starts at 12.15 and swings on until around 2.30pm. Get there early – it gets full!!

Saturday, June 23rd, 2012:: Coming back to the Bandstand, Priory Park, Southend on Sea, for a Dixieland session with DIGBY FAIRWEATHER’S HOT FOUR featuring clarinettist BRIAN WHITE, banjo-guitarist PAUL SEALEY and sousaphone-master DEREK PRING. Some goodtime jazz to enjoy, rain or shine! We play from 3pm-5pm and – thanks to our dear friend Rosemary Pennington – the music, as ever, is FREE! So do come along and make the scene!

Sunday, June 24th, 2012:: Thanks to our good friend JIM BAYNE the HUNTER CLUB, BURY ST EDMUNDS is turning into a premier jazz venue and his Sunday lunchtime sessions (now scheduled until the end of 2013!) never fail to sell out! But there’s still just a few tickets left for this one: a celebration of the great lady jazz singers starring this year’s British Jazz Award winner (and star of her own touring ‘Lady sings the Blues’ show) VAL WISEMAN along with Pete Oxborough (clarinet) Chris Gower (trombone) and the marvellous CHRIS INGHAM TRIO. The club can be found at 65 Guildhall Street, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP33 3PJ and you can call the club on 01284 748280 or call Jim Bayne directly on:01284 762508.

Wednesday, June 27th, 2012:: Guesting with DAVE MOORWOOD’S RASCALS OF RHYTHM at the Lamb Inn, Mill Street Wantage, OX12 9AB. Dave’s band is a definition of sophisticated good-time jazz and you need to be there – so do come and join us! The music starts at 8.30pm and the room is always packed so try to get there early! For more details please call Dave on (01235) 765648 or e-mail:d&zbelmont@lineone.net

Saturday, June 30th, 2012:: A very BIG day for the NATIONAL JAZZ ARCHIVE when the guest for our Annual Celebrity Interview will be SIR MICHAEL PARKINSON. I’ll be interviewing him about his fantastic career – as well as his passion for jazz – and it’s hoped that he will be joined by his longtime musical partner the great LAURIE HOLLOWAY (piano). So there’ll be words AND music – and we may even persuade Sir Michael to sing a song (or two!). The interview runs from 1.30-4.30pm at our usual venue: Loughton Methodist Church, High Street, Loughton Essex. For tickets and further enquiries please call our beloved Archivist DAVID NATHAN at the NJA. The(new) number is 020 8502 8988 and ask for David!

Tuesday, July 3rd, 2012:: A lunchtime concert from 12-2.30 for the City of London Festival in the Guildhall Yard, as part of the City’s ‘Music in the Yard’ series. Joining me witll be pollwinners DOMINIC ASHWORTH(guitar) LEN SKEAT (double bass) and NEIL BULLOCK(drums) and the address is: Guildhall Yard, London EC2V 5AE. Our welcome host will be jazz broadcaster KEITH HOWELL!

Wednesday, July 4th, 2012:: It’s Independence Day and to celebrate the event (and restore the international balance!) ‘the ‘Best of British Jazz’ group will reunite for a special one-off reunion, including (amongst a starry six-piece) founder-member the great ROY WILLOX (alto) CHRIS GOWER (trombone) and the great BOBBY WORTH (drums) who runs the Felpham Jazz Club. You can get full details from our friend Bobby (as well as details of his monthly concerts on 07787 936215.

Wednesday, July 4th, 2012:: A welcome reunion for ‘The Best of British Jazz’ at Bobby Worth’s Jazz Club, Felpham, near Bognor Regis. Full details yet to be announced, but you can catch up with the happenings by calling Bobby:(01243 821863)

Tuesday, July 10th, 2012:: Once again it’s back to the BIRMINGHAM INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL tirelessly masterminded by my great friend JIM SIMPSON of BIG BEAR MUSIC! I’ll be all over the city for five days and hope to see you! Too many highlights to list in full but – amongst others – I’ll be playing with America’s greatest jazz singer-pianist DARYL SHERMAN and taking part in the annual MUSICIANS’ UNION JAM SESSION (on Tuesday 10th) with the wonderful JOHN PATRICK (piano). For full details of this great event please contact BIG BEAR MUSIC on 0121 454 7020

Friday, July 13th, 2012:: All kinds of appearances at the great BIRMINGHAM INTERN ATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL 2012 for dear friend Jim Simpson! Watch this space for full details!

Saturday, July 14th, 2012:: Our annual concert in Benenden Village Hall, Kent with the great RON RUSSELL JAZZ BAND! The music starts at 7.30! Full details from Ron on 07773 410133

Sunday, July 22nd, 2012:: Guesting at the great ISLE OF WIGHT JAZZ FESTIVAL. A marvellous weekend of jazz. Full details to follow….!

Sunday, July 22nd, 2012:: Across to the Isle of Wight for their first ‘NEWPORT JAZZ WEEKEND’; a marvellous new festival packed with stars including Mark Nightingale, Martin Taylor, Dave Shepherd, Jo Fooks, Georgia Mancio, Edana Minghella, Cass Caswell’s All Stars, Andy Norman’s Unity Stompers (in their ‘Big Birthday Bash!) and featuring a rare return to Britain of one of the world’s great jazz pianists – from New York, the marvellous KEITH INGHAM! This is destined to become one of the great dates in the British jazz calendar so do book early for its first-ever presentation. For tickets and information please call:01983 535007

Thursday, July 26th, 2012:: An evening of Dixieland and Swing with one of the heroes of British Traditional jazz – John Petters! John’s great club is held at The Arc, St John’s Arts Centre, Old Harlow, Essex CM17 0AJ and his guests in the past have included everyone from Slim Gaillard and Wild Bill Davison to Georgie Fame and Humphrey Lyttelton – so I’m in good company! The music starts at 8pm and you can get more details from John on 01945 420673

Saturday, July 28th, 2012:: A very big day for SOUTHEND PIER – the longest pier in the world! Southend Borough Council will have just opened their brand-new Arts Centre at the end of the Pier and this concert – by the London Jazz Sinfonia conducted by John Jannsen – will be the first live jazz concert on the pier since 1961! To celebrate with John and the Sinfonia will be Britain’s most stylish and original jazz singer, TINA MAY, along with JULIAN MARC STRINGLE, KAREN SHARP, ANDY WOOD and ALEC DANKWORTH plus an all-star ensemble – and me! Do book early for this amazing event – and tickets, by the way, include your train-fare! More details from organizer LIZ LINCOLN on 01702 339565 – and she can tell you more about the SOUTHEND JAZZ FESTIVAL too; scheduled for 19th-21st October 2012 at the park Palace Hotel on Pier Hill and hosted by SIR MICHAEL PARKINSON!

Monday, July 30th, 2012:: One of the saddest events of 2012 was the death of New Orleans-style clarinettist DAVE CLARIDGE. So tonight at Prittlewell Jazz Club we play a Memorial concert to my old and dear friend in the good company of ‘Red Beans and Rice’ ; the band who played regularly with Dave in his later years. His widow Gwen will be gracing us with her presence too – so do come along to celebrate the life of a man whose heart belonged in New Orleans jazz and made countless people happy with his music-making. The concert starts at 8.30 and for details of tickets please call ADRIAN GREEN:01702 435263

Thursday, August 2nd, 2012:: A return visit to the superb FOLKESTONE JAZZ CLUB, Tower Theatre,North Road, Shorncliffe, Folkestone. Last time JULIAN MARC STRINGLE and I were there we had a ball with a magnifient rhythm section featuring legendary drummer TED POPE, and JOOLS will be with me again this time.For details/tickets please call ourgood friend Derek on 01303 277175

Saturday, August 11th, 2012:: We take to the high seas (not high ‘C’s – unless I’m on form!) playing for the superb Russian Schooner ‘Kruzenishtem’ (the second largest tallship in the world, that docks at the end of Southend Pier once or twice a year. There’s an all-star bill including the Dagenham Girl Pipers, an Irish Ceilidh group, a string quartet – and us supplying the red-hot Dixieland! Just board the Pier train and join the fun! More details, please call:01702 339565

Tuesday, August 28th, 2012:: Direct from Ronnie Scott’s London – well, nearly! – we bring our ‘ELLA AND LOUIS’ tribute show to Hever Castle – fully moated amid 125 acres of glorious gardens (even Ronnie’s doesn’t have those!) – for an extra special concert starring MAGGIE REEDAY (from the London Palladium) and our pollwinning HALF DOZEN (British Jazz Award for ‘Top Small Group’ for the last SIX years now!) starring JULIAN MARC STRINGLE, CHRIS GOWER,CRAIG MILVERTON, DOMINIC ASHWORTH, AL SWAINGER AND NICK MILLWARD ! The music starts at 7.30 and you can book tickets from Ann Watt (Head of Marketing) on(01732) 861710

Saturday, September 8th, 2012:: Joining British Jazz pioneer JOHN PETTERS for his BRACKLESHAM BAY JAZZ FESTIVAL at the South Downs Holiday Village, Bracklesham Bay, near Chichester. All the stars in Traditional jazz heaven will be there and I’ll be joining JULIAN MARC STRINGLE amongst many others for the great sessions that John plans! For details of ALL the wonderful players you’ll see, meet and hear this year – and of course to book tickets too – please call John on 01945 420673

Sunday, September 9th, 2012:: We bring our full HALF DOZEN (Julian Marc, Craig Milverton, Dominic Ashworth et al) to SURREY UNIVERSITY CAMPUS for a full day of jazzmaking amid an all-star bill. Full details to be announced later!

Sunday, September 9th, 2012:: Our HALF-DOZEN visits Surrey University Campus in Guildford for a day of jazz in aid of charity. Further details to be advised – watch this space!!

Wednesday, September 12th, 2012:: How many years is it now? Must be over ten…..! Anyhow, one more (delighted) time TONY COMPTON and I come to the CIVIC CENTRE, VICTORIA AVENUE, SOUTHEND ON SEA for our annual lunchtime concert. Short but very sweet (thanks Rosemary Pennington!) and the concert takes place in the Mayor’s Parlour from 12.10-1pm. The music’s free, but you’re invited to throw a few coins in the hat at the end – if you liked us. Hope so!

Wednesday, September 19th, 2012:: I’ll be spending the day with some (very!)musical surprise guests at the UNIVERSITY OF THE THIRD AGE, READING talking about – and of course, playing! – some good jazz! Our session runs from 11.30am-4.30pm and the organizer is my good friend BOB JONES. He’s currently arranging venue details – and I’ll let you know about them as soon as possible – but meantime, to get the latest, you can call Bob on 011894 13889

Saturday, September 22nd, 2012:: Tonight there’s a concert at BELFAIRS SCHOOL, LEIGH ON SEA, ESSEX with my old and respected partner TONY COMPTON (accordian) and special guest , the amazing DOMINIC ASHWORTH (guitar). More details to follow - watch this space!!

Friday, September 28th, 2012:: We take our great show ‘ROCKING IN RHYTHM’ starring PAUL JONES and my pollwinning HALF-DOZEN to the PLOUGH ARTS CENTRE, FORE STREET,GREAT TORRINGTON, DEVON EX38 8HQ. This one will be a packed house so DO make sure and book early! Tickets and information from our good friend Richard Wolfenden-Brown on 01805 624624

Saturday, September 29th, 2012:: DIGBY FAIRWEATHER’S POLLWINNING HALF DOZEN stars at the Lockerbie Jazz Festival 2012. Full details of times to follow – when we know them!

Saturday, September 29th, 2012:: ROCKING IN RHYTHM’ starring PAUL JONES and DIGBY FAIRWEATHER’S HALF DOZEN star at the Lockerbie Jazz Festival. For full times/details watch this space!!!

Friday, October 12th, 2012:: Our Autumn concert at ST.JAMES THE LESS, Hadleigh. TONY COMPTON and I will be joined by a special guest tba! The music starts at 8pm and tickets are ‘on the door’ but do get there early. Full details from VALERIE RANDOLPH PRODUCTIONS:07545 426672

Friday, October 12th, 2012:: Even if the clocks have gone back, the music rolls on; at St James the Less Hadleigh where once again I’ll be duetting with TONY COMPTON plus extra-special guest tba. No need to book; just pay on the door, and the music starts at 8pm. Look forward to seeing you!

Sunday, October 21st, 2012:: A VERY special weekend-long event! – the second SOUTHEND JAZZ FESTIVAL at the Park Palace Hotel on Pier Hill. Our host will be the legendary SIR MICHAEL PARKINSON and – apart from all the great music – organizer LIZ LINCOLN has plans for a celebration of BING CROSBY featuring memories from Bing’s last record producer KEN BARNES (who also produced albums by Johnny Mercer, Fred Astaire – with and without Bing – and the great Gene Kelly!) and films courtesy of Paul Cotgrove and his wonderful White Bus Company! Watch this space for more details or call Liz for information/bookings on (01702)339565

Sunday, October 21st, 2012:

Hosting the second all-star SOUTHEND INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL at the Park on the Palace Hotel, Pier Hill, Southend-on-Sea! Watch this space for details -but for updates contact artistic director LIZ LINCOLN: (01702) 339565 or e-mail:lizlincoln@blueyonder.co.uk

Sponsored by ESSEX CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE.

Sunday, October 28th, 2012:: Join me on the jazz trail at Tim Lord’s newest jazz festival, in Bridgnorth Shropshire. This is a beautiful event in an equally beautiful town and Tim is the perfect host! Final details to be confirmed but stars already booked include Britain’s greatest trombonist ROY WILLIAMS, new-star tenor KAREN SHARP, the incomparable JULIAN MARC STRINGLE(clarinet and reeds) and many more to be announced. I’ll keep you posted but you can also call Tim for updates:07710 242446!

Sunday, October 28th, 2012:: At the all-star BRIDGNORTH JAZZ FESTIVAL with a host of stars including ROY WILLIAMS, KAREN SHARP, JULIAN MARC STRINGLE and more! Full details to be announced but meantime call artistic director TIM LORD:07710 242446 or e-mail: timlord@jazzpiano.freeserve.co.uk for updates! See you there!

Friday, November 2nd, 2012:: I’ll be bringing my ‘Premier Trio’ to the great Tunbridge Wells Jazz Society for an evening’s music starring the marvellous DOMINIC ASHWORTH (guitar) the ‘Time Lord’ LEN SKEAT (double bass) and NEIL BULLOCK (drums). You can find us at The Masonic Centre, St. John’s Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN4 9UY and do come along – this is a wonderful club! Can’t wait to see you!

Monday, November 12th, 2012:: At the beautiful LANDMARK CENTRE, TEDDINGTON for ‘LADY SINGS THE BLUES’ starring pollwinner VAL WISEMAN and her all-star band of musicians, featuring ROY WILLIAMS, ALAN BARNES, BRIAN DEE, LEN SKEAT and BOBBY WORTH. This show has been travelling the world for twenty-five years but just goes on getting better! To book tickets call 020 8977 7558 and if you’re driving, the address is Teddington Lock, Teddington, Middlesex TW11 9NN. The neareststation is (surprise!!) TEDDINGTON! hOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!

Sunday, November 25th, 2012:

Back to the Hunter Club, Bury St. Edmunds (Suffolk’s most flourishing jazz venue!) for our sixth concert (!!) for good friend Jim Bayne and ‘MEMORIES OF LOUIS’; a tribute to the greatest jazzman of them all! JULIAN MARC STRINGLE (reeds) and CHRIS GOWER (trombone) will be joined by the fantastic CHRIS INGHAM TRIO for a dedicated tribute to Louis’ music from the Hot Five to the All-Stars! Tickets from Jim on:(01284) 762508 or e-mail: jwbayne@guildhallproperties.co.uk

Look out for news of more concerts in 2013 too!!

Friday, December 7th, 2012:: I’ll be joining VAL WISEMAN (winner of the 2012 British Jazz Award for top singer!) at the SPICE OF LIFE, 6, Moor Steet, Cambridge Circus, London W1D 5NA. The ‘Spice’ is now London’s most popular venue for jazz and Swing (usually pianist Jack Honeybourne’s great trio are there too!) and its sessions run from 12-15-2.30 every Friday! It’s always packed – so do get there early as seats are limited!Look forward to seeing you again!

Monday, January 7th, 2013:: Opening the new season at Prittlewell Jazz Club with a swingin’ band! Details to be fixed but watch this space and for any urgent updates call organizer (and distinguished Man of Letters!) Adrian Green on (01702) 435263

Friday, January 18th, 2013:

A very welcome trip up to Newcastle to visit my friends Mike and Patti Durham and play tribute to the great Bix Beiderbecke! I’ll be at the Customs House Theatre – the North West’s premier Arts centre - with many of Newcastle’s finest musicians – and I hope Mike will bring his horn too! He’s a fine trumpeter and former leader of the famous ‘West Jesmond Rhythm Kings’!

The beautiful Customs House TYheatre is located on Newcastle’s foreshore at Mill Dam, North South Shields, Ferry, Tyne and Weir NE33 1ES and their number for tickets is:0191 454 5450. For more details I doubt if Mike will mind a phone-call either:0191 281 2935 or e-mail:mikedurham-jazz@hotmail.com

Friday, February 1st, 2013:: ‘LADY SINGS THE BLUES’ , VAL WISEMAN’S classic tribute to Billie Holiday comes to the Astor Theatre, Stanhope Road, Deal, Kent CT14 6AB. The show co-features Val’s amazing all-star band: ROY WILLIAMS, ALAN BARNES, BRIAN DEE, PAT McCARTHY, LEN SKEAT, ERIC FORD – and me! For tickets/information please call the Theatre on:01304 370220 – and hope to see you there!

Saturday, March 9th, 2013:: Once again (but never too often) we return to Suffolk’s premier jazz centre, The Hunter Club, Bury St.Edmunds for Jim Bayne to present a dual tribute to two British jazz giants, Humphrey Lyttelton and Alex Welsh. Alex was my kindly Godfather in the earlier years of my jazz career and I played with his band on many, many occasions (and recorded with it too) - as of course did the great ROY WILLIAMS who was Alex’s regular trombonist for over ten years and joins us for this session! ALAN BARNES worked with Humphrey Lyttelton for several years – so consequently we have Jim’s ’Tribute to Humph and Welshy’ well covered! As usual we’ll be joined by the mighty CHRIS INGHAM TRIO (one of the finest in the UK) – and remember: the session takes place at LUNCHTIME from around 12.30-2.30-ish. The Hunter Club is at 65 Guildhall Street, Bury St. Edmunds IP33 3PJ and you can reserve tickets from them on (01284 748280) or from Jim Bayne himself on (01284) 762508

Monday, March 11th, 2013:

As 2013 moves on keep coming back to my site for more dates for your jazz diary: a probable appearance for the HALF DOZEN at the Paignton Jazz Festival (September 21/tbc); the 2013 BRIDGNORTH JAZZ FESTIVAL with a host of stars (October 25-27th) and more returns to the Hunter Club for Jim Bayne (July 7th tba/November 17th with JULIAN MARC STRINGLE AND ROY WILLIAMS!). As Lionel Hampton says:

‘STAND BY FOR FURTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS – AND MORE GOOD NEWS!’

Love to you all,

DIGBY!

Previous Gigs

Wednesday, May 16th, 2012:: Playing with that great pianist Richard Busiakiewicz at a brand new venue ‘Olivio’s Pizzeria Restaurant’ (previously Il Pappiatore) at 72 High Road, Bushey Heath, Bushey, Herts WD23 1GE. This is an exciting new co-promotion by British jazz legends Tommy Whittle and Barbara Jay; the food is wonderful (and reasonable) and the music is FREE! There’s even a chance that the great Tommy will bring his tenor-saxophone in for a tune or two – who knows?? So be sure to book a table early and to do so call 020 8950 0014 or e-mail:Olivios.net@gmail.com

Tuesday, May 15th, 2012:: The HALF DOZEN make a joyful return to the CONCORDE CLUB, EAST LEIGH for our old friend COLE MATHIESON! The Concorde is the only club in the world to have survived for fifty flourishing years under the single management of the great COLE and coming back is always a privilege and a pleasure! For bookings please call:023 8061 3989 or e-mail:info@the concordeclub.com To join the club (a very good idea too!) contact Membership secretary JACKIE BAKER but if you haven’t visited before you’ll find the Concorde in Stoneham Lane, Eastleigh, Hants,S050 9HQ. We look forward to playing for you!

Sunday, May 13th, 2012:: Appearing at a big jazz party in Bridgnorth to celebrate John Barnes’ birthday in the company of our good friend Tim Lord, and featuring JULIAN MARC STRINGLE(reeds) and ROY WILLIAMS (trombone). For final details and bookings call Tim on 07710 242446!

Tuesday, May 8th, 2012:: A nice local gig with JOHN GODSILL’S NEW ORLEANS ALL STARS at ‘The Smack’ Old Leigh High Street, Leigh on Sea, Essex. Music starts at 8.30 and it’s FREE! For more details (if you need them!) call John on:01702 586178

Monday, May 7th, 2012:: Our newest concert for St. James the Less Church, Hadleigh Essex. This time we ‘Swing into Spring’ with the marvellous Tony Compton and an extra-special guest: our favourite Swing singer (and local heroine!) HEATHER SIMMONS. No advance bookings; just ‘pay on the door’. For more details please contact Val Randolph Productions:07810 445540

Monday, April 30th, 2012:

Yes, ‘ROCKING IN RHYTHM’ starring PAUL JONES and theHALF DOZEN embarks on its first national tour thanks to Paul Ripley Promotions! Here are the details:

Wednesday 25th April:Arlington Arts Centre, Mary Hare, Newbury RG14 3BQ (01635 244246)

Thursday 26 April:South Holland Centre, Market Place, Spalding, Lincs. PE11 1ss (01775 764777)

Friday 27th April:Rhodes Arts Centre, 1-3 South Road, Bishops Stortford, HERTS CM23 3JG

Saturday 28th April:Theatre Severn, Frankwell Quay, Shrewsbury, Shropshire SY3 8FT (01743 281281)

Sunday 29th April: Lancaster Grand Theatre, St. Leonardsgate, Lancaster LA1 1NL (01524 64695)

Monday 30th April: starring at the KESWICK JAZZ FESTIVAL. Details:John Minnion:01684 566956

A PAUL RIPLEY ENTERPRISE:01905 778177

Sunday, April 15th, 2012:: Playing with my old colleague TONY COMPTON at the ‘Festival for Fairhavens Hospice’. Times tba but do set aside the day for this grand event for the most worthy of causes. The venue is the beautiful RAYLEIGH MILL HALL and times for our sets will follow as soon as I know!

Sunday, April 1st, 2012:: No jokes about the date please, as I’m guesting with my great friend (and pollwinning pianist) CRAIG MILVERTON and his Trio at Plymouth Jazz Club, The Function Suite, Matchroom, 12 Newnham Road, Colebrook, Plympton, PL7 4AW! For full details times please call John Amos:01752 774343. Look forward to seeing you!

Saturday, March 24th, 2012:: A reunion gig for ‘VELVET’ – the legendary quartet of the 1970s, featuring original members DIG and LEN SKEAT (double bass) along with two great guitarists DOMINIC ASHWORTH and COLIN OXLEY in the gracious surroundings of Hampstead Garden Suburb, London. I wish that we could invite you all but this is a private party for our good friend Gerald deGroot!

Wednesday, March 14th, 2012:: Guesting with Chris Walker’s Quintet at a new venue: The LESCAR HOTEL, 303 Sharrow Vale Road, SHEFFIELD S11 8ZF. The music starts at 8pm and we hope to see you there!

Thursday, March 8th, 2012:

We play an evening with the HALF DOZEN for ‘A and W Jazz’ held at the BAWA Club, 589 Southmead Road, Filton, BRISTOL BS34 7RG! For full details of admission/tickets in advance (plus the shortest route to the venue if you need it!) please contact JOHN ALLEN:0117 971 7852 or e-mail:john.val.allen@virginmedia.com

Look forward to seeing you!

Wednesday, March 7th, 2012:: Another reunion gig with my oldest jazz collaborator (we go back almost fifty years) KENNY BAXTER and his band at the Royal Naval Club, 73 East Street, Prittlewell, Southend-on-Sea. The music starts around 8.30. For tickets/information please call Kenny on (01702) 545346 or the club on (01702) 612255.

Sunday, March 4th, 2012:: We – that is the HALF DOZEN and I – are honoured to be headlining for CHRISTIAN GARRICK at the annual Berkhamsted Jazz Club Jazz Festival celebrating their thirtieth anniversary! The music starts at 2pm and features five more great bands:(2pm) Karen Sharp Quartet; (3.10) Mike Garrick’s Modern Jazz Quartet Celebration featuring Jim Hart (vibraphone);(4.20)Alan Gresty -Brian White Ragtimers; then after an interval: (6.30) Elaine Delmar and her Trio featuring Brian Dee, Jim Mullen and Matt Home; (7.40) John Etheridge and Chris Garrick ‘Sweet Chorus’ – and then the HALF-DOZEN (with special guest GABRIEL GARRICK) closing the evening 8.50-10.00. Tickets for the entire programme are £15.00 for members and £20.00 for others and they are available only ‘on the door’ or by post from:Shirley Guy, 21 Ashley Green Road, Chesham, HP5 3PE

Sunday, February 26th, 2012:: At the Hunter Club, St Andrews Street South, Bury St. Edmunds Suffolk IP33 3PH. This new concert for dear friend Jim Bayne and his charity ‘Softpower Education’ runs from 12.30pm and pays tribute to the late great cornettist/bandleaderALEX WELSH, featuring Welsh superstar – and Britain’s greatest jazz trombonist – ROY WILLIAMS, along with Alan BARNES (reeds) and the incomparable CHRIS INGHAM TRIO – Chris (piano/vocals)Mick Hutton (bass) and George Double (drums). It’s fine to phone Jim for tickets and more details:01284 762508/07845 400924

Monday, February 20th, 2012:: The Jazz Section of the Musicians’ Union is staging a Memorial Concert for drummer Dave Cox - a longtime stalwart of the South Coast Jazz Scene – at the Concorde Club, School Lane, Eastleigh, SO50 9HQ. Our host is CHRIS WALKER and many of Britain’s swing stars are scheduled to play for this excellent cause. For details/tickets please call the Club on:023 8065 1478

Sunday, February 19th, 2012:: Playing some tunes from our new album ‘Crackerbarrel Music’ (title to be explained on the night!) for Heather Simmonds ‘Little Jazz Club’ in Old Leigh with ‘WE THREE’: MICK FOSTER (reeds) and DAVID HACKBRIDGE-JOHNSON (piano). For full details of times and tickets please call Heather:07879 232231

Saturday, February 18th, 2012:: ‘ROCKING IN RHYTHM’ with PAUL JONES and our pollwinning HALF DOZEN visits the magnificent LANDMARK CENTRE, TEDDINGTON, MIDDLESEX for our latest concert. For details/tickets please call:020 8977 7558

Friday, February 17th, 2012:: Tony Compton and I celebrate romance with ‘St Valentine’s Day Jazz’ at St. James Church, Hadleigh, Essex – the latest in our season of successful concerts in this beautiful venue. The music starts at 8pm and tickets are available ‘on the door’ only. Special guest to be announced. For details please call Val Randolph:07810 445540

Sunday, February 12th, 2012:: Raising money for Chai Cancer Care in the Loughton Lounge, Loughton Synagogue, Porters Lane, Loughton IG10 3JE. The music – for this most valuable of causes – starts at 7pm, and you can choose a three-course meal with wine (£35.00) for then, or stand at the bar for £20.00 (with a glass of wine at 9pm!). This is a ticketed event only so for tickets (and more details) please call Lesley:07956 902177 or e-mail her at:lesley@diamondpersonnel.co.uk

Thursday, February 9th, 2012:: Playing for the Grand Benefit at the 100 Club, 100 Oxford Street for our old friend JOHN BARNES currently making his recovery from a serious illness. His ‘spiritual son’ ALAN BARNES is the organizer and a truly all-star team will be present to pay musical respects to John from 12-2.30pm at London’s legendary ‘home of Traditional jazz’. Hopefully John will make an appearance too! For full details visit the 100 Club website or call Jeff Horton on 020 7633 0933!

Friday, February 3rd, 2012:: Back to London to launch our brand-new album ‘Crackerbarrel Music’ by WE THREE co-featuring David Hackbridge Johnson (piano) and Mick Foster (saxophones) at Ray’s Jazz Shop at Foyles, Charing Cross Road. The music starts early evening in their BEAUTIFUL Recital hall, so for times/details/tickets please contact Sam Solla at Ray’s on 020 7440 3205

Saturday, January 28th, 2012:: Guesting (at lunchtime!) for our dear friend Tim Lord, with PAUL SAWTELL at Gabrielle’s Wine Bar, Bridgenorth, Shropshire. Music from 8pm. For details/tickets please call Tim on:07710 242446!

Friday, January 27th, 2012:: Guesting with PAUL SAWTELL (piano) for my great friend Tim Lord at EGO’S WINE BAR, Quality Square, Ludlow, Shropshire SY8 1AR. The music starts around 8pm in one of my favourite venues!

Monday, January 23rd, 2012:: Guesting with the BRIAN WHITE ALL-STARS at Chipstead Jazz Club, The Football Club, High Road, Chipstead CR5 3SF. The music starts early – at 7.30 – and finishes at 10pm, so come early! Nice food, a fine bar and great Dixieland. Hope to see you there!

Thursday, January 19th, 2012:: In Newcastle again with Mike and Patti, this time for an evening at the Trinity Centre, High Street, Gosforth, Newcastle on Tyne NE3 4AG with the ‘Swing City Trio’; STEVE ANDREWS (clarinet/alto/tenor) ROLY VEITCH, the great musician who taught me the song ‘T’is Autumn’! (guitar/vocals) and another old friend ROY CANSDALE (bass). We’ll be playing (and singing) tribute to the Great American and British songbooks this night – and don’t forget to bring your horn, Mike!For tickets please call Church Administrator Jenny Badrock on 0191 285 9285 and do book early as often concerts are sold out! Hope to see you there!

Thursday, January 19th, 2012:: Guesting with JULIAN MARC STRINGLE at the Folkestone Jazz Club, Tower Theatre, Shorncliffe, CT20 3HL. Our show starts at 8.30pm. For information/tickets please call Derek:01303 260330.

Sunday, January 15th, 2012:: Over to the Apollo Theatre, Newport, Isle of Wight to celebrate the New Year (just a little late!) with the UNITY STOMPERS! Full details from my old pal (and very fine trumpeter) Andy Norman:01983 566826

Monday, January 2nd, 2012:: Opening the season for the EKCO Jazz Club, Prittlewell Essex with some New Orleans friends! The music starts at 8.30. For more details please phone good friend GARY GLEED:01702 482683

Sunday, December 4th, 2011:

Our powerhouse show ‘ROCKING IN RHYTHM’ starring PAUL JONES and DIGBY FAIRWEATHER’S HALF DOZEN takes over RONNIE SCOTT’S, 47 FRITH STREET, LONDON W1D 4HT - for the whole day! Two shows; one at lunchtime the other in the evening – so why not make it a double date? Tickets and details:0207 439 0747

A Paul Ripley Presentation:01905 778177

Sunday, November 27th, 2011:: The second of our great lunchtime concerts for JIM BAYNE and his Softpower Education Charity at the Hunter Club, Bury St. Edmunds! This time the guests will be Julian Marc Stringle (tenor/clarinet) and Chris Gower (trombone) – the frontline of our Half Dozen – plus the wonderful CHRIS INGHAM TRIO and the music starts around midday. Address as for Sunday 26 July 2011. For further details please call Jim on (01284) 762508

Wednesday, November 23rd, 2011:: Another concert with dear friend Mark Wallis at the beautiful Christ Church, Kensington London. This time our very special guest will be WENDY NIEPER, formally with the Swingle Singers but now making a great solo career of her own – her recent gig at the Pizza Express Dean Street was sold out weeks in advance! Details from Mark:07815 049992

Saturday, November 19th, 2011:: A concert for Belfairs Methodist Church to celebrate a BIG anniversary! I’m with my old friend Tony Compton (piano-accordian). For details/tickets please contact ANTHEA MEEK:01702 476140 and we look forward to seeing – and playing for – you. Please note: our concert starts at 7pm!!

Tuesday, November 15th, 2011:: Touring Germany/Switzerland with the great American trombonist BILL ALLRED for our good friend Bernard FLEGER! International datesheet to follow!

Saturday, October 29th, 2011:: Travelling down to beautiful Devon for a workshop and concert with my good friend MARK WALLIS at the PLOUGH ARTS CENTRE, 9-11 Fore Street, Great Torrington, EX38 8HQ. It’s good to be back at this beautiful venue! Telephone:01805 624624 for information and tickets! (There’s talk about something happening on Sunday too – maybe – but keep it under your hat!)

Thursday, October 27th, 2011:

Guesting with the very fine NOVA SCOTIA JAZZ BAND at the Electric Palace, Harwich – England’s oldest cinema! Here’s the details:

The Electric Palace, Kings Quay St, Harwich

http://www.electricpalace.com

Thursday 27th October 8:00pm Tickets are £8:00 plus membership

Tickets are available at The Electric Palace Box Office, Kings Quay Street, Harwich, Essex CO12 3TH,

or phone 07786 744 789 for advance bookings.

Sunday, October 23rd, 2011:: At LUNCHTIME with my old friend Ron RUSSELL and his band ‘down in the caves’!!! – just over the Queen Elizabeth Bridge into Kent. Exact venue and details to be supplied but meantime call Ron on:07773 410133 or e-mail:ron.russell@ukonline.co.uk An exciting new jazz club with a GREAT band!

Thursday, October 20th, 2011:: We bring ‘ROCKING IN RHYTHM’ starring the legendary PAUL JONES and our pollwinning HALF-DOZEN to the HALESWORTH ARTS FESTIVAL. This will be a great night! Venue:The New Cut Arts Centre, New Cut, Halesworth IP19 8BY. For tickets/details please contact:01986 874264

Tuesday, October 18th, 2011:: DIGBY’S HALF DOZEN returns to the great WRAYSBURY JAZZ CLUB – now in its 32nd year!Fish’n'chips and top-class jazz! The music starts at 8pm. For details/booking please contact Rosemary Smith:(01784) 482452

Sunday, October 16th, 2011:: OUR FIRST SOUTHEND JAZZ FESTIVAL WEEKEND AT THE BEAUTIFUL PARK AT THE PALACE HOTEL ON PIER HILL, SOUTHEND ON SEA!! HOSTS OF STARS TO APPEAR FOR ‘JAZZ AT THE PALACE’ including THE BRUCE ADAMS-ALAN BARNES QUINTET, The LONDON JAZZ SINFONIA conducted by John Jansson and featuring GUY BARKER amongst an all-star ensemble;BUDDY GRECO, PAUL JONES with DIGBY FAIRWEATHER’S HALF DOZEN and the ‘ESSEX BOYS’ – an all-star group from our beautiful town co-led by trumpeters STEVE FISHWICK – and me! For regular updates and booking details please call LIZ LINCOLN:01702 339565

Wednesday, October 12th, 2011:

Guesting for host Bruce Carnaffin at the beautiful KENDAL JAZZ CLUB (time for some mint-cake!) held at the Hawkshead Brewery Beer Hall, Mill Yard, Staveley, near Kendal, LA8 9LR. There’s more information on their website www.kendaljazzclub.co.uk One of Britain’s greatest and most long-running jazz clubs. To find out more about the concert please call Bruce on 01539 720172 but please note that it’s ‘pay on the door’ rather than advance bookings. If you’re coming by train the nearest station is – yes! – Kendal (!)

My respected cohorts on the stand this evening will be Vinny Parker (piano) Roy Cansdale (bass) and Ted Richards (drums). Hope to see you everyone – and that includes Jackie Colhoun!!

Tuesday, October 11th, 2011:: Guesting with the wonderfully-named ‘Woodford Wheezards!’ (Geoff Seeff, Alan Phillips, Dave Burns, John China, Murray Salmon,Pete Edwards and singer Sharon Scott) at the Horse and Well, Woodford Green as part of the great Woodford Festival! I’m looking forward to it and hope to see you there! Further details, please call Geoff Seeff on 0208 505 5969.

Sunday, October 9th, 2011:: With the great WALLY FAWKES QUINTET at the Mansfield Bowling Club, Croftdown Road, Highgate Road. London NW5 1EP. Come and hear a legend of British jazz (Wally, not me!) still playing as brilliant as ever. His fellow ‘Troglodytes’ include Ron Rubin (piano) and John Ferguson (bass) and the music starts at 7.30pm. Admission £4.00

Sunday, October 2nd, 2011:: Guesting at the beautiful – and newly-refurbished – Queens Theatre, Hornchurch, Essex for PETE CORRIGAN and his BAND OF HOPE. The music plays from 1-3pm. For details please call Pete on:01708 440130

Thursday, September 29th, 2011:: Tony Comptonand I play ‘The Little Jazz Club’ in Old Leigh for that fine singer HEATHER SIMMONDS. For details of start-times/admission please call Heather on:07879 232231. A ggreat little club and ALWAYS packed so do come early if you can!

Tuesday, September 27th, 2011:: Guesting again with the HUGH RAINEY JAZZ BAND at the Lodge Country Inn, Hayes Chase, Battlesbridge. Music starts at 8.30 and admission is FREE. For details please call:01245 320060

Sunday, September 25th, 2011:: With the great WALLY FAWKES and his Quintet at the Mansfield Bowling Club, Croftdown Road, Highgate Road,Camden NW5 1EP. Come and join this happening new club – the brainchild of good friend Jim Godbolt! - in the company of a Grand Master of British Jazz and his friends Ron Rubin (piano) and John Ferguson(bass) . Details as for September 11th but for more call Mike:0207 272 4325. Music starts at 7.30….don’t miss it!

Saturday, September 24th, 2011:: Our pollwinning HALF DOZEN has the honour to be special musical guests at the Annual Convention of the INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF JAZZ RECORD COLLECTORS! This great event is held at the PARK INN, CHEETHAM PARK ROAD, MANCHESTER and your host is IAN TIELE! For information please contact VAL RANDOLPH;07810 445540

Friday, September 23rd, 2011:: Our next concert celebrating ‘Jazz at St James’ at the beautiful St. James’ Church, Hadleigh, Essex. Tony Compton (accordion) plus special guest tba! The music starts at 8pm.For more details please call Neil Hamper:01702 553263

Tuesday, September 20th, 2011:: Guesting with the HUGH RAINEY JAZZ BAND at The Lodge Country Inn, Hayes Chase, Battlesbridge. The music starts around 8.30 and it’s a great band! Details, please call the Lodge: 01245 320060

Sunday, September 18th, 2011:

A lunchtime session with our brand-new Trio ‘We Thre’ – Digby (cornet) Mick Foster (Reeds) and David Hackbridge-Johnson (piano/vocals) at ‘O Picardo’, 403 London Road, Westcliff on Sea. Great Brazilian food and hot jazz – and we’re launching our new album, ‘Crackerbarrel Music’ too!

Music starts at 1pm and Tapas for two including a bottle of wine is £30.00. Bookings:01702 300540. Do come along – it’s a fun group and a great way to spend Sunday!Hope to see you!

Wednesday, September 14th, 2011:: Our annual lunchtime concert in the Mayor’s Parlour, Southend Civic Centre. They come round faster every year! From 12.15-1pm Southend Civic Centre, Victoria Avenue, Southend-on-Sea SS2 6ER. For details, please contact Rosemary Pennington:(01702)215624

Sunday, September 11th, 2011:: With the WALLY FAWKES ALL STARS at the Mansfield Bowling Club, Croftdown Road, Camden , NW5 1EP. The session with this grand old master of the Revival (and after) starts at 7.30 sharp! Come along for this unique opportunity to meet Trog and hear the best classic clarinettist in Britain! Ron Rubin (piano) John Ferguson (bass) and special guests join us too. For more details/admission (£4.00) call Mike:0207 272 4325

Thursday, September 8th, 2011:: Guesting for MIKE BLAKESLEY and the Alan James Band at Sandy Balls Leisure Centre in the heart of the New Forest. For information about this flourishing jazz club and information about tickets please call Mike:02380 813672

Thursday, September 1st, 2011:: Guesting at the DONCASTER JAZZ CLUB. A real treat to come back to one of my favourite cities! For details please e-mail:chaznanne.worsdale@tesco.net or call:01302 349898

Sunday, August 21st, 2011:: At London’s – and maybe the world’s – most famous jazz club, RONNIE SCOTT’S, 47 FRITH STREET, SOHO with my all-star quintet: Julian Marc Stringle(reeds and songs) Nick Dawson (piano and songs) Len Skeat (double bass) and the legendary ERIC DELANEY (drums). We’re hoping for some celebrity guests in the audience too! The music starts at around 12 noon and finishes at 2.30pm. For tickets/details please call Ronnie’s on 020 7439 0747 – and do book early as these jazz brunches often sell out quite quickly. Hope to see you!

Sunday, August 14th, 2011:: Our pollwinning HALF DOZEN (the ‘Jazz Oscar’ 2005/6/8/9/10) tops the bill at the BRIDGNORTH JAZZ FESTIVAL! For full details of times/venue please call TIM LORD:01746 763685

Wednesday, August 3rd, 2011:: The HALF DOZEN visits the 27th Mundesley Festival, Norfolk with special guest HELEN BADEN (vocals). The music starts at 7.30pm. For bookings please call:01263 721189. (By the way, if you can’t make it – and we hope you can! – there’s a great documentary on LOUIS ARMSTRONG on Radio 2 this evening. It’s presented by Sir Michael Parkinson and I’m taking part along with Dan Morgenstern, Dame Cleo Laine, Chris Barber and many more famous guests! Well worth a listen – or if you’re coming to the concert you can ‘listen again’ on the Radio 2 website of course)

Sunday, July 31st, 2011:: Enjoying the sunshine (we hope) for ‘Jazz at the Walkway’ Southend Pier – the longest pier in the world so luckily we’re at the shore end! I’ll be playing real goodtime jazz with a hot quartet completed by Julian Marc Stringle (clarinet) Paul Sealey (banjo/guitar) and Mark Easner (sousaphone). The music starts at 12 noon and goes on to to 3pm so come along and have some seaside fun!

Tuesday, July 26th, 2011:: Depping for my old friend HUGH RAINEY to lead the Hugh Rainey Jazz Band at the Lodge Country Inn, Hayes Chase, Battlesbridge, Essex. The music starts at around 8.30. For details please call:01245 320060

Sunday, July 24th, 2011:: Playing my annual concert at HILLYFIELDS PARK, Enfield with Colin Peters’ Quartet and the great Trudy Kerr ! The music starts at 3pm. Full details: please call Colin on 01707 876736 and look forward to seeing you!

Saturday, July 23rd, 2011:: Playing for good friend Rosemary Pennington with Tony Compton in Southend’s beautiful Priory Park on the Bandstand. Right next door to the cafe so you can get a cuppa too! Music starts at 3pm. Bring an umbrella just in case……

Friday, July 22nd, 2011:: With RON RUSSELL’S BAND (Dave Hewitt, Tim Huskisson, Jim Douglas, Stan Bourke) at the SPICE OF LIFE, Cambridge Circus, LONDON W1. London’s new centre for Traditional Jazz and Swing! The music starts at 12.15 and finishes by 2.30pm with drinks to follow! See you there!

Wednesday, July 20th, 2011:: A guest spot with my friend (of five decades!) KENNY BAXTER and his musicians at the Royal Naval Club,. 73 East Street, Prittlewell, Southend-on-Sea. Music starts at 8.30. For details/tickets please call:01702 465052

Tuesday, July 19th, 2011:: A GRAND REUNION of the RON RUSSELL Band at their favourite old haunt – and Ron’s onetime pub! – The Walnut Tree at Yalding. The band as always:Tim Huskisson (clarinet) Dave Hewitt (trombone) Jim Douglas (guitar) Ron (bass of course) and Stan Bourke (drums). And some distinguished old friends are going to join us in the audience – come and say ‘hello’! Music from 8.30. For enquiries/tickets call:01622 814266 or e-mail:info@walnuttreeyalding.co.uk. Or call Ron on: 07773 410133! See you there!

Sunday, July 17th, 2011:: We bring our favourite show ‘ROCKING IN RHYTHM’ starring PAUL JONES and our pollwinning HALF-DOZEN to one of our favourite venues THE COURTYARD THEATRE, Edgar Street, Hereford HR4 9JR. For tickets/information please call:01432 346500

Friday, July 15th, 2011:: A debut concert at the QUAY THEATRE (Quay Lane, SUDBURY CO10 2AN) for our new exciting project ‘WE THREE’; a chamber-jazz trio playing hot music and featuring MICK FOSTER from Michael Garrick’s Orchestra (bass saxophone/reeds) and Ragtime sensation (and concert-tenor) DAVID HACKBRIDGE-JOHNSON (piano). Our new album, ‘Crackerbarrel Music!’ – CD of the Month’ on UK Jazz Radio – will be on sale too. The concert starts at 8pm and for tickets please call: 01787 374745

Thursday, July 14th, 2011:: Playing for good friends Kelvin and Lesley Christiane at their great jazz club ‘The Crown’ Teddington. For full details of times/venue/tickets please call Kelvin or Lesley on:0208 286 3242. We’re expecting at least one very special guest too!

Sunday, July 10th, 2011:: Back to Birmingham International Jazz Festival for a special performance of ‘Lady Sings the Blues’ starring VAL WISEMAN and the LSTB All Stars (Alan Barnes, Roy Williams, Brian Dee, Pat McCarthy, Len Skeat, Bobby Worth). For venue details/times please contact Big Bear Music:0121 454 7020

Saturday, July 9th, 2011:: With Ron Russell’s mighty band of Dixieland graduates (featuring Tim Huskisson, Jim Douglas, Dave Hewitt and Stan Bourke) at the Village Hall, Benenden, Kent! Always a pleasure!For details and bookings call Ron:07773 410133

Thursday, July 7th, 2011:: Playing a very special concert at Christ Church, Kensington with my dear friend (and fine pianist!) Mark Wallis. The music plays from 6.30-9pm. Details from Mark:07815 049992

Wednesday, July 6th, 2011:: Working (with great pleasure!) my Presidential duties at the BIRMINGHAM INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL! How good to be back! All sorts of great gigs all over the city! For full details call BIG BEAR MUSIC;0121 454 7020

Thursday, June 30th, 2011:: Guesting with the JOHN PETTERS ALL STARS at St John’s Arts Centre, St. John’s Walk, Market Sreet, OLD HARLOW. Music starts at 8pm. Looking forward to playing for John – and seeing YOU!!For further details please call John:01945 420673

Sunday, June 26th, 2011:: The first of our season of five lunchtime concerts for good friend Jim BAYNE at the newly-refurbished (and beautiful) HUNTER CLUB, St Andrews Street South, Bury St. Edmunds, SUFFOLK IP33 3PJ. The first of them co-features TIM HUSKISSON (clarinet) CHRIS GOWER (trombone) and the great CHRIS INGHAM TRIO in a programme of good time jazz! The music starts around 12 mid-day and carries on until……..??? For details/tickets please call: 01284 748280

Friday, June 24th, 2011:: The second of our season of concerts at the beautiful St James Church Hadleigh. ‘Jazz at St James’ co-features everyone’s favourite accordionist – and my longtime duetting-partner – TONY COMPTON. Concert begins at 8pm. For more details please call Neil HAMPER:01702 553263

Thursday, June 23rd, 2011:: Marching around Covent Garden with good friend TIM WACHER’S ALL-STAR STROLLING TROUPE!(John Barnes, Chris Gower, Julian Marc Stringle, Don Cook and many more!). The Parade begins at 3.30 and ends up with a concert in the Covent Garden Atrium! Bring your camera!

Saturday, June 11th, 2011:

The HALF DOZEN plays the beautiful IFORD ARTS FESTVAL!A heady mix of opera, concerts and jazz music in outstandingly beautiful settings!

For full details of concert times please contact:

Iford Arts
The Gatehouse
Iford Manor
Nr Bath
BA15 2BA

01225 868124

And we look forward to playing for you.

Thursday, June 9th, 2011:: With the great JULIAN MARC STRINGLE and HUW OCKENDEN’S TRIO at their brand-new venue, ELTHAM ONE, Bexley Road, Eltham. For full details, please call Huw on:0208 325 3999

Friday, June 3rd, 2011:: With star clarinettist DAVE SHEPHERD in another grand reunion co-featuring JACK HONEYBOURNE’S TRIO at the Spice of Life, Cambridge Circus LONDON W1. (right next door to ‘Priscilla Queen of the Desert!’) Music from 12.15-2.30pm – and do get there early; theplace is packed!

Thursday, June 2nd, 2011:: A historic reunion of ‘Velvet’ – the cornet/guitar/bass ensemble that broadcast, played concerts and recorded for Black Lion Records in the late 1970s. At that time ‘Velvet’ was made up of the (sadly-missed) Denny Wright and Ike Isaacs, plus myself and bassist LEN SKEAT! Well Len – the ‘Time Lord of British Jazz!’ – has reassembled a great concert for the ‘new Velvet’ at Lichfield Church with Dominic Ashworth and fellow-guitarist Colin Oxley! For details of this grand reunion please call Len:07956 829758

Saturday, May 21st, 2011:: A concert with TONY COMPTON at the beautiful St. Barnabas Church, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex. For full details please call Tony on: 01702) 341257

Friday, May 20th, 2011:: Guesting with the great JULIAN MARC STRINGLE at Rochester Jazz Club. For full details please call Huw Ockenden:0208 325 3999

Thursday, May 19th, 2011:: Playing with the great DAVE SHPEHERD ALL STARS on a Benefit Concert for CAB. The show starts at 8pm at Hoburne Park Holiday Park, Sway Road, New Milton, Hampshire, BH25 5QS. Tickets and information from our good friend: Roz GLICKMAN:01425 628032

Friday, May 13th, 2011:: Maybe an unlucky date for some, but lucky for me as I’m appearing with Kenny Ball’s Jazzmen at Beckenham in a great double concert with the legendary Acker Bilk and his Paramount Jazz Band. For full details of venue/times please call HEATHER LEWIS:01372 450820. What a night!!

Saturday, May 7th, 2011:: Making a visit to the Talyesin Centre, Swansea with US vistor DARYL SHERMAN; star of the Arbors Record label and fresh from her 12 year residency at New York’s Waldorf Astoria! For more details call:01702 435727

Sunday, May 1st, 2011:: (Hopefully!) appearing for good friend TIM LORD at Bridgnorth with the great pianist PAUL SAWTELL. Dates/times tbc but you can call Tim on:01746 763685

Monday, April 25th, 2011:: At the marvellous HARLOW JAZZ FESTIVAL including (from the USA) DARYL SHERMAN, John Jansson’s strings and all the best British swing-to-bop stars in a fascinating programme of music from Fats Waller to Tadd Dameron and beyond! (plus our Half-Dozen too!) For full details contact organizer Liz Lincoln:01702 339565!

Thursday, April 21st, 2011:: The Half Dozen join our favourite singer-star PAUL JONES for our great ‘Rocking in Rhythm’ show at Broxbourne Civic Hall, High Street, Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire EN11 8BE. For tickets please call the Box Office:01992 441946 – and do book early;we sold out last time!!!!

Wednesday, April 20th, 2011:: We bring ‘Rocking in Rhythm’ to Scarborough with PAUL JONES and our HALF DOZEN. Times/venue: please call PAUL RIPLEY:01905 778177

Monday, April 18th, 2011:: Just like Wingy Manone said ‘Come in and hear the truth!’. Trombonist Malcolm Earle Smith organizes the first of his Greenwich-based nights celebrating Dixieland and Swing and co-starring the great young jazz students from TRINITY COLLEGE OF MUSIC. The ‘New Jazz Revival’ is under way! For more details of this new Revolution call Malcolm on:07976 906795

Sunday, April 17th, 2011:

The pollwinning HALF DOZEN comes to the Isle of Wight to top the bill at the Ventnor Jazz Festival run by our good friend Janneke Oxley!This will be a wonderful weekend-long event with lots happening! For details please call Janneke (01983) 853445 or drop her an e-mail at:janneke@artsisle.org

AND LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU THERE!

Sunday, April 10th, 2011:: A special benefit concert for HAVENS HOSPICE< Southend-on-Sea. Final details to be arranged but meantime call Ann:01268 684881

Saturday, April 9th, 2011:: Appearing for Jim Simpson and the Big Bear Group at the BIRMINGHAM BOOK FAIR! Details to be confirmed but you can call Big Bear Music for more information:0121 454 7020. Looking forward to seeing you – and all my good friends - in the great ‘Second City’!

Wednesday, April 6th, 2011:: Guesting at the ritzy ‘Manhattan Live Lounge’ , Nuvo Cocktail Club, 2 Brunswick Square, Brindley Place, Birmingham B1 2LP!This is one of the most beautiful new clubs in Birmingham, so I’ll be stepping in society!For tickets/information please call 0121 631 1600 and hope to meet you there!

Sunday, April 3rd, 2011:: Guesting with CLARK TRACEY’S TRIO (John Patrick, Simon Thorpe) at his great HERTS JAZZ CLUB, The Campus, Campus West, Welwyn Garden City AL8 6BX. For details please call:01702 435727

Saturday, April 2nd, 2011:: A very special evening with TONY COMPTON for ‘DISABILITY ESSEX’ at their beautiful new centre:34 Rocheway, Rochford, Essex SS4 1DQ. Our concert starts at 7.30pm. For details and tickets please contact:Julie Mills:0844 412 1771

Friday, April 1st, 2011:: Joining singer VERONA CHARD – star of UK Jazz Radio – at the Ropetackle Festival, Ropetackle Centre, Little High Street, Shoreham-by-Sea.For tickets/information please call:07985 440902

Tuesday, March 29th, 2011:: With PAUL JONES and our pollwinning HALF DOZEN presenting our show ‘ROCKING IN RHYTHM’ at the Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury! Show starts at 7.30. For tickets please call the Box Office:01684 295074

Monday, March 28th, 2011:: Playing for legendary bassist JOE MUDELE’s all-star concert at his club at the KINGS HEAD, BEXLEY, KENT. Music starts at around 8.15 pm. For full details of this amazing clambake call Joe or Jan on:0208 467 1350

Saturday, March 26th, 2011:: Hosting the NATIONAL JAZZ ARCHIVE OPEN DAY at Loughton Methodist Church, High Street, Loughton, just down the road from the NJA. Our very special guest is ALAN BARNES and after his interview there’ll be music with Alan. myself plus an all-star trio:NICK DAWSON (piano) MURRAY SALMON (bass) and CLARK TRACEY (drums). For details and tickets please call our Curator, DAVID NATHAN on (020) 8502 0181 (mornings 10-1pm)

Friday, March 25th, 2011:: Guesting with that fine pianist DAVE BROWNING at an Upminster venue tba. For more details please call Dave on:01268 764691

Thursday, March 24th, 2011:: A very special jazz concert -organized by the pupils -at FitzWimarc School, 72 Hockley Road, Rayleigh, Essex SS6 8BE with my co-star TONY COMPTON (piano-accordion)! This should be a fun evening and a fine support act led by saxophonist Sam Neal will be on the bill too!REMEMBER THAT THIS CONCERT IS OPEN TO EVERYONE! – not just pupils, students and their friends – so do book early. For details and tickets phone:01268 743884

Monday, March 21st, 2011:: Guesting with BRIAN WHITE’S DIXIELANDERS at Chipstead Jazz Club. Music starts at 7.30pm. For details/bookings please call BRIAN:020 8949 0776

Saturday, March 19th, 2011:: We bring ‘LADY SINGS THE BLUES’ to LYME REGIS starring VAL WISEMAN and her all-star band (Roy Williams, Julian Marc Stringle, Brian Dee et.al). For more details please contact Big Bear Music:0121 454 7020

Friday, March 18th, 2011:: The first of our season of concerts at the beautiful St James Church, Hadleigh. ‘Jazz at St. James’ opens its season with ‘In the beginning – jazz!’ and myself and Tony Compton (piano-accordion) will be playing for our good friends Neil Hamper, David Childs – and of course YOU! Tickets are on the door, and there’s a special ‘meal-deal’ included in a nearby restaurant. For more details please call Neil Hamper:01702 553263.

Tuesday, March 15th, 2011:: We bring ‘ROCKING IN RHYTHM’ with PAUL JONES and our HALF-DOZEN to Bournemouth for a big show!Venue/times to be confirmed! Watch this space or call PAUL RIPLEY PRODUCTIONS:01905 778177

Saturday, March 12th, 2011:: And again, working with my idol, the great KENNY BALL and his JAZZMEN, this time at St Donat’s Arts Centre, St. Donat’s Castle, Vale of Glamorgan, Wales. Show starts at 7.30. Another great night! For information/tickets01446 799100

Saturday, March 5th, 2011:: Once again with the legendary KENNY BALL’S JAZZMEN; this time at Bodellwydan Castle, Bodellwydan, Clwyd, North Wales! Show starts at 9pm. For tickets, contact Nikki Arnold:01745 585088

Thursday, March 3rd, 2011:: With the great KENNY BALL’S JAZZMEN at Millfield Theatre, Silver Street, Tottenham. For details/tickets please call:020 8807 6680!

Wednesday, March 2nd, 2011:: With Val Wiseman and the All-Stars (Roy Williams, Alan Barnes et al) for her classic show ‘LADY SINGS THE BLUES’ at the Concorde Club, Stoneham Lane, Eastleigh, Southampton. Show starts at 9pm. For enquiries and tickets call: 023 8065 1478. Why not make a night of it and stay in their beautiful hotel too?

Saturday, February 26th, 2011:

The latest in our series of concerts for dear friend – and trumpeter – JIM BAYNE at the Hunter Club, St. Andrews Street South, Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk IP33 3PH. Telephone:01284 748280.

This time we feature a tribute to the late great ALEX WELSH in a show starring Welsh superstars JOHN BARNES (reeds/songs/monologues) and the world’s greatest jazz trombonist ROY WILLIAMS along with the incomparable CHRIS INGHAM TRIO. The music starts at 12.30 and goes on for as long as possible!!

Sunday, January 16th, 2011:: Helping the UNITY STOMPERS celebrate their 50th Anniversary (!) on the Isle of Wight! This should be quite some party! For details please call Andy Norman:(01983) 566826

Monday, January 3rd, 2011:: Opening the season at Prittlewell Jazz Club, Southend-on-Sea with my All-Stars! For full details please call Gary GLEED:(01702)482683

Sunday, January 2nd, 2011:: Guesting with Pete Corrigan’s Band of Hope at the Queen’s Theatre, Billet Lane, Hornchurch RM11 1QT. This is a lunchtime session:1pm-3pm (If you’re coming by train the nearest station is Emerson Park). Tel:01708 443333 for details

Saturday, December 11th, 2010:: With KENNY BALL’S JAZZMEN at Oxted, Surrey. For details of this concert please call Kenny’s manager Heather LEWIS:(01372) 450820

Wednesday, December 8th, 2010:: Our ‘ROCKING IN RHYTHM’ show starring PAUL JONES with the HALF DOZEN comes straight back from Ronnie Scott’s to Darlington Arts Centre (Vane Terrace Darlington, County Durham DL3) after its last sellout visit! For tickets please call: 01325 483 271 and try to book early!

Tuesday, December 7th, 2010:: ‘ROCKING IN RHYTHM’ comes back to RONNIE SCOTT’S for its Christmas season, starring PAUL JONES and our pollwinning HALF DOZEN. It would be good to book for these two nights as sometimes the club sells out in advance so do call:020 7439 0747 or Google ‘Ronnie Scott’s Club’ to book on-line!

Sunday, December 5th, 2010:: We bring our great show ‘ROCKING IN RHYTHM’ starring PAUL JONES and the HALF DOZEN to Chelmsford Jazz Club! This is a lunchtime session - and for full details and tickets please call SUSAN MAY:01245 420475

Tuesday, November 30th, 2010:: Back to Chigwell Jazz Club with trombonist (and old friend) JACKIE FREE’S JAZZMEN. The music starts at 8.30pm, and for tickets, call Jackie on:01992 573667

Thursday, November 25th, 2010:: At Birchwood Park Country Club with Hugh Ockendon Trio and special guest JULIAN MARC STRINGLE! Our session starts at 8.30 and the address: Birchwood Road, Wilmington, Dartford DA2 7HJ (Telephone:01322 662038). Look forward to seeing you!

Wednesday, November 24th, 2010:: Presenting ‘Lady Sings the Blues’ with VAL WISEMAN and her all-star band (Roy Williams, Alan Barnes, Brian Dee et.al.) at the beautiful ABERYSTWYTH ARTS CENTRE, Penglais Terrace, ABERYSTWYTH, Dyfed SY23 3DE. For bookings please call:01970 622895

Wednesday, November 17th, 2010:: Joining KENNY BALL AND HIS JAZZMEN at Birmingham NEC. For details please call Heather Lewis:(01372) 450820

Monday, November 15th, 2010:: An evening of New Orleans jazz with Jackie Free’s All-Stars featuring Tim Huskisson and Hugh Rainey, at the E.K.Cole Club, Prittlewell, Essex. For details and tickets please call Gary Gleed on (01702)482683

Tuesday, November 9th, 2010:: I’m looking forward to coming back to Wraysbury’s very fine Jazz Club with my Half Dozen! For tickets please call:Rosemary Smith on 01784 483452 or e-mail:micro500@btinternet.com Look forward to seeing you there!

Saturday, November 6th, 2010:: An intimate concert with old friend TONY COMPTON (piano-accordian) at Hadleigh Church. For more details call Tony on (01702) 341257!

Thursday, October 28th, 2010:

Our great show ‘JAZZ GOES TO THE MOVIES’ comes to the Lyric Theatre, King Street, Carmarthen SA31 1BD starring VAL WISEMAN and the fantastic HALF DOZEN! For tickets please call:01267 224815

Lyric Theatre

Tuesday, October 26th, 2010:

We bring our great new show starring ’First Lady of Soul’ P.P.ARNOLD and the pollwinning HALF-DOZEN to the Beck Theatre, Grange Road, Hayes, Middlesex UB3 2UE. Don’t miss out on this fantastic NEW presentation featuring all of P.P.’s hits – ‘Angel of the morning”First Cut is the Deepest”If you think you’re groovy’ and more)! For details/tickets please call:0208 561 8371

Val Randolph Productions:07810 445540

Saturday, October 23rd, 2010:

With the great P.P. Arnold (‘First Lady of Soul’) and the pollwinning Half Dozen presenting our brand-new show at the Playhouse, High Street, Weston-Super-Mare BS23 1HP. For tickets please call:01934 645544

A Paul Ripley Presentation:01905 778177

Friday, October 22nd, 2010:: We bring our exciting show starring ’Britain’s First Lady of Soul’ P.P.ARNOLD (‘First Cut is the Deepest”Angel of the Morning”If you think you’re groovy’ ‘Everything’s gonna be alright’) and the pollwinning HALF-DOZEN to the Courtyard, Edgar Street, Hereford HR4 9JR.For tickets please call the Box Office on:0870 1122 330

Thursday, October 21st, 2010:: “One Year On!”. Britain’s most exciting new jazz radio station UK JAZZ RADIO celebrates its first anniversary! For details of times and venue watch this space or call BRIAN SOUNDY (Station Director) on 07843 656793. Lots of good music, great company and nibbles!

Friday, October 15th, 2010:

At Norwich Playhouse for our old friend Caroline Richardson presenting our brand-new show starring our ‘First Lady of Soul’ P.P.ARNOLD and the HALF DOZEN. The address:42-58 St George’s Street, Norwich NR3 1AB. For tickets please call:01603 612580 – and do book early!

A Paul Ripley Presentation:01905 778177

Thursday, October 14th, 2010:: With good friend Mark Wallace playing an intimate concert in Kensington, London! More details from Mark:07815 049992

Wednesday, October 13th, 2010:

Our SECOND show with ‘The First Lady of Soul’ P.P.Arnold and the Half Dozen. Don’t miss this brand-new rockin’ presentation. All her hits (‘Angel of the Morning”First Cut is the Deepest”If you think you’re groovy!’) and much more from P.P. and our pollwinning Half-Dozen. Come and see us at the Theatre Royal, New Road, Brighton, BN1 1SD! For tickets please call:0870 060 6650

Val Randolph Productions:07810 445540

Sunday, October 10th, 2010:: 10-10-10!!! On this date we have a very special concert – ‘THE RHYTHM OF LIFE’ with the SOUTHEND GIRLS’ CHOIR and TONY COMPTON (piano-accordian) at the Palce Theatre, Westcliff-on-Sea. Music starts at 8pm. For details/tickets please contact:RosemaryPennington@southend.gov.uk or call Southend Civic Centre and ask for Rosemary:(01702)215000

Saturday, October 9th, 2010:: We start our exciting new month-long tour with superstar P.P. ARNOLD – Britain’s ‘First Lady of Soul’.(‘Angel of the Morning”First Cut is the Deepest’ ‘If you think you’re groovy’ and many more!). With P.P. the Half Dozen opens at the legendary PIGALLE CLUB, 215-217 Piccadilly, LONDON W1J 9HN. For reservations please call:020 7734 8142

Thursday, October 7th, 2010:: A Memorial Concert for my dear friend JIM BYRNE who passed away earlier this year. I’ll be playing at Sandyballs Leisure Centre with Jim’s band led by trombonist Mike BLAKESLEY. For full details, call Mike on 02380 813672. Please come along for this celebration of a great man, and meet Jim’s wife and family too!

Wednesday, September 29th, 2010:: Guesting with DAVE MORWOOD’S RASCALS OF RHYTHM at Lanes Barn, Wantage (I think…!!!!!) For details/times please call Dave on:01235 765648 - and I’ll be doing the same, so watch this space!

Tuesday, September 28th, 2010:: Still in Liverpool to play a set with the Count John McCormack All Stars! For venue/details please give John a ring again on:0151 427 3565

Monday, September 27th, 2010:: Up to my (other) favourite city to guest with the great MERSEYSIPPI JAZZ BAND at Liverpool Cricket Ground (but we will be playing inside!). For details – as for tomorrow – please contact my old friend ‘Count’ JohnMcCormack:0151 427 3565

Friday, September 24th, 2010:: Guesting at the first all-star MARITIME JAZZ FESTIVAL at Dickens’ World, Chatham. A Roan Kearsey-Lawson presentation. Venue: Britannia Theatre at Dickens World, Chatham Maritime Leisure Resort, ME4 4LL. For Satnav use Leviathan Way or follow the signs to the Historic Dockyard/Medway Tunnel.Full details, please contact Roan Kearsey-Lawson, KLM Music Group:01634 365453. Oh by the way: my set starts at 10.15! Looking forward to seeing you!

Sunday, September 19th, 2010:: ‘Lady sings the Blues’ starring VAL WISEMAN and the ALL-STARS comes to the Talyesin Arts Centre, SWANSEA, Glams. Show starts at 7.30! For details/information please call:01792 296883

Friday, September 17th, 2010:: A concert in memory of dear friend Derrick Wood with TONY COMPTON at Paglesham Church in aid of church funds. Our concert starts at 7.30. For details/tickets please contact Val Whittingham (01702) 258616.

Friday, September 17th, 2010:: A very special concert in memory of DERRICK WOOD at Paglesham Church. TONY COMPTON and I will be paying our respects and we hope to see all our old friends and enjoy some good music together in tribute to a dear departed friend. The music starts at 7.30 and you can buy tickets from Jeanette and Colin Burton on 01702 258607. I do hope you’ll come to this one!

Wednesday, September 15th, 2010:: Join TONY COMPTON and I for our annual lunchtime session at the CIVIC CENTRE, VICTORIA AVENUE, SOUTHEND ON SEA. We start at 12.00 and finish at 1pm so there’s time for a drink afterwards!And it’s whatever you want to pay…….so we’d better play well!

Tuesday, September 14th, 2010:: “Rocking in Rhythm” with Paul Jones and the Half Dozen comes to the Medina Theatre, Fairlee Rd.
Newport, Isle of Wight P030 2EL. It’s great to be back! For bookings, please call: 01983 527020

Friday, September 10th, 2010:: With VAL WISEMAN for her legendary ‘LADY SINGS THE BLUES’ review at the Marine Theatre, Church Street, Lyme Regis, DORSET. 7.30pm. For tickets for Val’s great show, plase call the Box Office:01297 442138

Thursday, September 9th, 2010:: We bring ‘ROCKING IN RHYTHM’ starring PAUL JONES and the HALF DOZEN to the White Rocks Pavilion, Hastings

Sunday, August 29th, 2010:: Join TONY COMPTON and I for another sunny afternoon concert (we hope!!) at the Bandstand in beautiful Priory Park! Music starts at 3pm and with luck you won’t need an umbrella!!!It’ll be fun either way! Thanks to Rosemary Pennnington for another chance to play!

Friday, August 20th, 2010:: A welcome return to GUERNSEY to play for their newly re-formed jazz club and guitarist Jeff George. Full details as soon as I have them. Come fly with me!

Thursday, August 19th, 2010:

At Googlies Jazz Club, Botany Bay, Enfield with the Colin Peters Quartet. Music starts at 8pm. For more details please call John Jarvis:0208 350 3541

Val Randolph Productions:07810 445540

Friday, August 6th, 2010:

‘ROCKING IN RHYTHM’ starring PAUL JONES and the HALF DOZEN returns to Southport – this time to the AMBASSADOR’S THEATRE, Promenade, Southport, Merseyside PR9 0DZ. Please telephone:0870 0606627 for bookings

A Val Randolph Production:07810 445540

Thursday, August 5th, 2010:: A special concert at ST. MARY’S CHURCH, near Tamworth with LEN SKEAT AND FRIENDS featuring Phil Phillips (piano/vocal) and John Garfield (vocal). For full details please ring Len Skeat on:07956 829758

Wednesday, August 4th, 2010:

Guesting with the wonderful DAVE COTTLE TRIO at Swansea Jazz. Deep joy!For full details of venue, times and charges please call:01792 380615 and/or 07501 928438

Val Randolph Productions:07810 445540

Sunday, July 25th, 2010:: Guesting with Chris Walker’s Quintet for the SOUTHSEA JAZZ SUNDAY’ on beautiful Southsea Beach in the afternoon. For exact times/details, call Chris on 01425 655631

Thursday, July 22nd, 2010:: With VAL WISEMAN for her all-star review ‘LADY SINGS THE BLUES’ at Oxford. Full details of time/venue from BIG BEAR MUSIC:0121 454 7020

Wednesday, July 21st, 2010:: A very special session ‘Saluting the Great Jazz Trumpeters’ for good friend Keith McDowell with Craig Milverton’s Trio at the REFORM CLUB, Pall Mall, London. I’m not sure if you can get in but if you ‘d like to try please call Keith on:0207 607 7190!

Saturday, July 10th, 2010:: The NATIONAL JAZZ ARCHIVE celebrates its ‘Open Day’ down from Traps Hill at Loughton Methodist Church! Your host is DAVID NATHAN and there’ll be live music, and a star interview with JOHN ALTMAN – just back from the USA! Event starts at 1.30pm! Tickets and more information from David on 020 8502 0181

Friday, July 9th, 2010:: At FARNBOROUGH JAZZ CLUB with old friend RON RUSSELL’S great Dixieland band featuring Ron, Tim Huskisson, Dave Hewett, Jim Douglas, and Stan Bourke! You can find us at Farnborough Sports Club, High Street, Farnborough, Kent BR6 7BB. Doors open at 7.30pm; tickets are £8.00 and the music goes from 8.30-11.30. There’s plenty of parking too but dancing as well, so leave the car outside!Great music with that Condon touch……………!

Thursday, July 8th, 2010:: Guesting for Kelvin and Lesley CHRISTIANE at Richmond and Twickenham Jazz Club, THE CROWN Bar and Kitchen, 174 Richmond Road, TW1 2NH. Tickets are £9.00/£8.00 (concessions); there’s great food available and you can book for a table on 0208 892 5896! For more information please call 0208 286 3242 or look at:www.rtjazzclub.com This’ll be a great night so book early!

Friday, July 2nd, 2010:

A special concert by DIGBY FAIRWEATHER’S HALF DOZEN at THE BARN, CARLTON for our very good friend JOHN TUSTING! Concert starts at 7.30pm and here’s all the contact details in good big print:

BARN, CARLTON

John Tusting,

Hill House,

Carlton

BEDS MK43 7ND

01234 720908

This beautiful barn-theatre is one of our very favourite venues so we promise you a great evening!

A Val Randolph Promotion.

Thursday, July 1st, 2010:: I’ll be joining the Company of Big Bear Music’s legendary tribute to Billie Holiday, ‘Lady Sings the Blues’ at the Solihull Arts Complex, Solihull. Star of the show is pollwinning singer VAL WISEMAN and Roy Williams, Alan Barnes and a septet of great British jazzmen will be on hand as usual too! Show starts at 7.30pm – and it’ll be great!

Tuesday, June 29th, 2010:: A second guest-spot with the HUGH RAINEY JAZZ BAND at the Lodge Country Inn, Hayes Chase, Battlesbridge. Phone 01245 320060 for details. Music starts at 8.15pm and admission is FREE!

Saturday, June 26th, 2010:: Come fly with ‘Lady Sings the Blues’! VAL WISEMAN, the show’s star, joins Digby, Roy Williams, Alan Barnes et.al. at the Riverboat Jazz Festival, Silkeborg, DENMARK. We haven’t been abroad for a year or so, so come and join us….this one’ll be fun! Full details from Jim Simpson and the mighty Big Bear Organization at:0121 454 7020

Thursday, June 24th, 2010:: Marching around COVENT GARDEN with Tim Wacher’s Troubadours to celebrate the ancient ceremony of Covent Garden’s ‘Renewal of the Leases’. This historic event dates all the way back to the 1980s, but it’s not to be missed! Stand and marvel at the exchange of apples and roses while the Marching Band brings back the sounds of New Orleans! Free to everyone (apart from the leaseholders!). From 4pm!

Tuesday, June 22nd, 2010:: Guesting with the HUGH RAINEY JAZZ BAND at the Lodge Country Inn, Rettendon Lodge, Hayes Chase Battlesbridge. For details phone:01245 320060. Music starts at 8.15 and entrance is FREE! So hope to see you there!

Sunday, June 20th, 2010:: A sunn y afternoon concert with TONY COMPTON for Rosemary Pennington on the bandstand at Priory Park. Music starts at 3pm! Hope to see you there!

Wednesday, June 9th, 2010:: Guesting at the ROCHESTER JAZZ CLUB for Roan Kearsey-Lawson. Music starts at 8pm. Full details to follow!

Saturday, June 5th, 2010:

A VERY special concert featuring the RON RUSSELL ALL STARS – Digby, Ron, Tim Huskisson (clarinet)Dave Hewett (trombone), Jim Douglas (guitar) and Stan Bourke (drums) – for the Friends of St. George’s Church, Benenden, Kent. The concert will be held in the Village Hall, Benenden; doors open at 7pm and the music starts at 7.30 for two nice long sets finishing around 10pm. There’s a bar on-site, but bring your own food for what will be a wonderful jazz evening. Tickets are £15.00 on the door or £10.00 if you pre-book (good idea!). To do that call Anthony Beattie on 01580 240973 or 01580 752300 or e-mail:anthony_beattie@yahoo.co.uk

See you there!!!!

Saturday, May 29th, 2010:

Back on the road (it’s a busy week!) for ‘ROCKING IN RHYTHM’ with the great PAUL JONES and our pollwinning HALF DOZEN. This time we’re at the beautiful NEW THEATRE ROYAL, Portsmouth and you can book tickets on 023 9264 9000 !Book early to avoid swimming instead!

A Paul Ripley Production:01905 778177

Friday, May 28th, 2010:

With the great PAUL JONES again – and the pollwinning HALF-DOZEN – presenting ‘Rocking in Rhythm!’ at the Regent Centre, 51 High Street, Christchurch BH23 1AS. All the hits and much more! For bookings please call:01202 479952 and look forward to seeing you there!

A Paul Ripley Presentation:01905 778177

Thursday, May 27th, 2010:: A great return to one of my favourite venues – and bands! Guesting with JULIAN MARC STRINGLE at the Birchwood Country Club, Birchwood Road, Wilmington, Dartford, Kent DA2 7HJ. For details/tickets please call:01322 662038

Wednesday, May 26th, 2010:

We come to the GUILDHALL, STAMFORD with ‘ROCKING IN RHYTHM’:PAUL JONES and the HALF DOZEN cruising at full speed!You can book in advance of course……hope to see you!

A Paul Ripley Production:01905 778177

Sunday, May 23rd, 2010:: ROCKING IN RHYTHM’ starring the great PAUL JONES with DIGBY’S HALF DOZEN makes its debut at HARLOW PLAYHOUSE, Playhouse Square, Harlow, Essex CM20 1LS. This is the first time we’ve played Harlow so do book up early: the Box Office number is 01279 431945!

Saturday, May 22nd, 2010:

‘ROCKING IN RHYTHM’ starring Britain’s greatest Blues Brother PAUL JONES plus DIGBY FAIRWEATHER’S HALF DOZEN makes a triumphant return to HUNTINGDON HALL, WORCESTER! We were sold out last time so do book early, and here’s the contact details:
Box Office 01905 611427
Email boxofficemanager@worcesterlive.co.uk
www.worcesterlive.co.uk

This is our favourite show as you know, so we look forward to seeing you there!

A Paul Ripley presentation:01905 778177

Tuesday, May 18th, 2010:: With the great JACKIE FREE JAZZMEN (featuring Julian Marc Stringle) at Chigwell Jazz Club. Music starts at 8.30pm. For tickets/information contact Jackie on 01992 573667 – and there’s a chance of a famous ‘surprise guest’ too……….!

Sunday, May 16th, 2010:

All over Birmingham for an exciting new venture pioneered by JIM SIMPSON: his ‘COUNTDOWN SESSIONS’ to the great BIRMINGHAM INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL 2010!! I’ll be playing with Birmingham’s top musicians – and here’s the details of the sessions:

MAY

Date	Time	Venue
Wednesday 12^th	20:00	Wine Republic Centenary Square Broad Street, City Centre, Birmingham 0121 644 6464
Thursday 13^th	19:00	Bohemia Restaurant 23 Oak Tree Lane Selly Oak, Birmingham0121 471 2713
Friday 14^th	19:30	Stageside Bar and RestaurantThorp Street, Birmingham0870 730 1234
Saturday 15^th Afternoon	2:30	Jazz On The Water 0121 236 7057
Night	19:00	Old Orleans 80 Broad Street Birmingham 0121 633 0144
Sunday 16^th Afternoon	14:00	Botanical Gardens 12A Westbourne Road Edgbaston, Birmingham0121 454 1860
Night	18:00	Malt House 75 King Edwards Road Birmingham 0121 633 4171

Look forward to seeing you!

For full details of ALL the other ‘Countdown Sessions’ featuring ‘Tipitina’, Val Wiseman, Becky Brine and more, please call Big Bear Music on 0121 454 7020

Tuesday, May 11th, 2010:: Masterclass with the jazz students of Latymer Upper School Hammersmith for Mark Wallace (Private) 3pm-10pm.

Monday, May 10th, 2010:: Private master-class for Malcolm Earle-Smith at Trinity College of Music 2-5.30pm

Sunday, May 9th, 2010:: A VERY special event. In association with the National Jazz Archive, Digby presents ‘THANK YOU GEORGE’ – a tribute to the founding father of British Traditional jazz who died earlier this year. George’s most recent Dixielanders led by trumpeter Chez Chesterman will be joined by founder members Wally Fawkes, Owen Bryce and Eddie Harvey, and Digby’s band will feature guests including John Barnes, Brian White, Chris Gower and star vocalist VAL WISEMAN. Doors open 12.00 and the music plays on until 2.30pm. There’ll be a special presentation to George’s daughter Penny, and we expect a record crowd so book early:jenny@the100club.co.uk or call:0207636 0933

Thursday, May 6th, 2010:: Appearing with the great Tony Compton (piano-accordian) at a very special jazz evening promoted by the students of South Essex College, Luker Road, Southend-on-sea, Essex, SS1 1ND . This wonderful show offers gourmet-food – and some beautiful jazz too! For details please contact the evening’s organizer: Stephen Watson:07719 967959

Monday, May 3rd, 2010:: Private masterclass for Malcolm Earle-Smith at Trinity College of Music 2-5.30pm

Thursday, April 29th, 2010:: Starring with PAUL JONES, the Half-Dozen appear at ALBAN ARENA, Civic Close
Town Centre, St. Albans AL1 3LD in our great show ‘ROCKING IN RHYTHM!’. For tickets/details please ring:01727 844 488

Sunday, April 25th, 2010:: Appearing at the ‘Humphrey Lyttelton Celebration Concert’ at Hammersmith Apollo with KENNY BALL AND HIS JAZZMEN plus a host of star guests!

Saturday, April 24th, 2010:

VAL WISEMAN with DIGBY’S HALF-DOZEN were bringing ‘JAZZ GOES TO THE MOVIES’ to the Theatr Elli
Station Road, Llanelli, Carmarthenshire SA15 1AH.

BUT PLEASE NOTE, GOOD FRIENDS;THIS SHOW HAS NOW BEEN RE-LOCATED TO THE LYRIC THEATRE CAMARTHEN AND WILL BE PRESENTED ON THURSDAY OCTOBER 28TH 2010. For tickets/information, tel: 01267 224815.

A Paul Ripley Music Production:01905 778177

Friday, April 23rd, 2010:

We bring ‘ELLA AND LOUIS’ , our sellout tribute show to the BUDLEIGH FESTIVAL starring MAGGIE REEDAY with DIGBY and the CRAIG MILVERTON TRIO. Details/bookings:01392 670784

A Paul Ripley Music presentation:01905 778177

Thursday, April 22nd, 2010:: Special guest-spot ‘down west’ (Exeter area!) with Craig Milverton’s Trio! For full details/tickets please call Craig on:01392 670784

Monday, April 19th, 2010:: Special guest at Joe and Jan Mudele’s wonderful BEXLEY JAZZ CLUB at the Kings Head, High Street, Bexley. Music starts at 8.30. For tickets/details, call Jan on 0208 467 1350

Sunday, April 18th, 2010:: A very special evening with DIGBY’S HALF DOZEN in concert at Granville’s Restaurant, 1 Station Road Stone, Staffordshire ST15 8JP! Music starts at around 8pm. Details and tickets:please contact Adam on 01785 816 658 and be prepared for the surprise appearance of a superstar guest too!

Sunday, April 11th, 2010:: An afternoon session at The Chequers Inn, High Street, Canewdon, Rochford, Essex, SS4 3QA with the amazing TONY COMPTON (piano accordian). The music starts at 3pm and goes through until 6! For details, contact DAVE ELVIN:01702 258029.

Monday, April 5th, 2010:: Appearing with a host of stars at the BRITISH JAZZ FEDERATION’S 9TH ‘HARLOW JAZZ FESTIVAL’ at the Swallow Hotel, Old Harlow. A major event in Britain’s annual jazz calendar and this year’s guests include Bruce Adams, Alan Barnes, Roy Williams, Julian Marc Stringle and many more. For full details/tickets please call Liz Lincoln on (01702)339565 or e-mail:lizlincoln@blueyonder.co.uk

Tuesday, March 30th, 2010:: Guesting for Fiona McSorley at SYDENHAM JAZZ CLUB held at GOLDEN LION,116 High Street, Sydenham SE26 5JX. For tickets/details call Fiona:0208 659 9451

Saturday, March 27th, 2010:: Guesting with that great pianist PAUL SAWTELL at the George Hotel, Hollybush Road, Bridgnorth, Shropshire, WV16 4AX
A classy duet session for old friend Tim Lord. Telephone 01746-768868 for details

Tuesday, March 23rd, 2010:: With the great ‘DAVE SHEPHERD ALL STAR DIXIELANDERS’ (Roy Williams, Nick Dawson et al) at the READING REAL ALE AND JAZZ FESTIVAL. 8pm. For tickets/details please contact CHRIS WALKER: 01425 655631

Monday, March 22nd, 2010:: Guesting with All-Star band at Chipstead Football Club! This is a great venue and all the top players appear there! However if you are travelling to Chipstead FC it’s best to go to Coulsdon South where there is a District Cars cab office and you should be able to get a cab to the ground for about £5 and book a return journey. Beware though! -if you travel to Chipstead Station there is NO cab office and it is about 1.1/2 miles to the ground, up a very steep and narrow hill with NO pavements or street lights.

Sunday, March 21st, 2010:: Coming back to Ronnie Scott’s for another fantastic ‘Jazz Brunch’ with Digby, Julian Marc Stringle (reeds/vocal)Nick Dawson (piano/vocal) Len Skeat (bass) and ERIC DELANEY (drums). Doors open at 12.00 and for bookings call Ronnie’s on:020 7439 0747. Address:47 Frith Street, London W10 4HT. Look forward to seeing you!

Friday, March 19th, 2010:: On tour with acclaimed American singer-pianist DARYL SHERMAN direct from the Algonquin Hotel New York! Full details/schedule to be confirmed but we’re all over England so watch this space!Dates confirmed so far are Saville Exchange, Stockton, North Shields (12)and Concorde Club, East Leigh (17)

Sunday, March 7th, 2010:

A special presentation of ‘JAZZ GOES TO THE MOVIES’ starring VAL WISEMAN with DIGBY’S HALF-DOZEN at the Regent Centre, 51 High Street, CHRISTCHURCH, Dorset. For tickets please call:01202 479952

A Paul Ripley Music presentation:01905 778177

Friday, March 5th, 2010:: A return to our old friends at ONGAR JAZZ CLUB for an evening of songs and swing with VAL WISEMAN plus Digby’s Half Dozen. Show starts at 8pm. For tickets/information please call Howard Nicholson:(01277) 899504

Wednesday, February 17th, 2010:: With the ‘GREAT BRITISH JAZZ BAND!’ and special guest star VAL WISEMAN for our good friend Trevor Mitchell at EPSOM PLAYHOUSE, Ewell Way, Epsom, Surrey. For bookings please ring: 01372 742226

Saturday, February 6th, 2010:

The triumphant return of ‘ROCKING IN RHYTHM’ starring PAUL JONES with DIGBY FAIRWEATHER’S HALF DOZEN to the Brewhouse Theatre, Taunton. Here’s the contact details in big print (that’s the way they appeared on the cut’n'paste!!!!):

BREWHOUSE THEATRE TAUNTON

01823 274608

infor@the brewhouse.net

LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU THERE!

Friday, January 29th, 2010:

A special one-night presentation of ‘ELLA AND LOUIS’ (direct from a sellout season at Ronnie Scott’s London) starring Maggie REEDAY with DIGBY and the CRAIG MILVERTON TRIO at the Medina Theatre, Fairlee Road, Newport, Isle of Wight. For tickets please call:01983 527020

A Paul Ripley Music presentation:01905 778177

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